ENAMEL WORK
One of the most essential features in this work is to have the enamel of the right consistency. There are many good enamels in the market but we have found that Aufsetzweiss in tube or powder form, makes a very satisfactory white enamel.
Dilute most enamels with turpentine to a semi-fluid state. Before applying, breathe on the mixture until it is reduced to the proper consistency, which means that it should be in such shape that it can be applied in a long, free stroke. At the same time it should be thick enough to lie high and round on the china. The beauty of the decoration depends on this feature. Considerable of experimenting on the part of the student will be necessary in order to perfect himself in this work. Enamel in powder form must be thoroughly mixed with the turpentine, after which a little fat oil should be added.
Very poor work is sure to be the result if enamel is either too thick or too thin. If too thin it will be flat and if too thick it will chip off. It is about the right consistency, if it will remain in shape when a little is piled up.
When applying enamel, do not allow the brush to touch the china. Right here it might be well to advise the student that it is better to do the work over than to attempt to correct any errors by repeating strokes.
For enamelling, use a sable brush. Take up a sufficient quantity of the mixture so that some will hang to the brush. The student should aim to make high, round lines and dots. Sometimes the dots appear pointed, but after the work is fired, they will be round.
When working with enamel, it is inclined to harden. In case it does, add a drop of turpentine, breathe upon it and it is ready to use again. Sometimes enamel will chip in firing. In this case scrape it off and apply again.
Enamel that is too oily will chip—so it should be dried with a piece of silk. There are other causes for enamel chipping. Too many firings and insufficient mixing will cause it. Enamel should not be fired more than twice. Do not use it unless freshly mixed. There is little danger of these colors chipping off of Belleek or any soft glazes. Enamels are not likely to chip, if it is allowed to dry well before firing, provided that all the suggestions in this chapter have been observed.
A good tinted enamel can be produced by adding one-fifth part of the color to four-fifths of white enamel and mixed very thoroughly. These colors dry darker than when applied—so they should be mixed accordingly. Blue, green, pink and ruby produce good colors—but reds and browns do not.